THE WASTELAND POETS
Artist Overview
The Wasteland Poets are Abby Ray and Cory Hillman, a Northeast Ohio acoustic duo known for authentic live performances that fuse powerhouse vocals with haunting, ghostlike guitar work. Blending alternative rock, country, and blues, their music delivers raw, emotional storytelling, dubbed Gothic/Folk, that resonates long after the last note fades.
Full Bio
Formed in 2011, The Wasteland Poets are Abby and Cory Hillman — a Northeast Ohio-based duo recognized for their fiery acoustic performances, commanding vocals, and deeply emotive songwriting. Together, they’ve crafted a sound that is both cohesive and intimate, seamlessly blending influences from alternative rock, country, and blues into a style that connects with audiences of all ages.
Over more than a decade of collaboration, the duo has selected 12 original songs from their catalog, that reflect their perspective on the world around them. Their lyrics explore themes of addiction, resilience, political corruption, social conformity, and the human condition, while their music balances eerie, atmospheric guitar work with soulful, powerful vocals. This dynamic has earned them a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most authentic and memorable live duo acts.
In 2026, The Wasteland Poets will release their debut full-length album, December Insomnia — a record 12 years in the making. Recorded at Lava Room Recording Studios in Cleveland, OH and engineered by Ryan Barrat, and mastered through Lava Room Recording. Capturing the intensity of their live performances while preserving their raw authenticity, the record marks a defining moment for the duo.
The Wasteland Poets have performed across Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee, with notable appearances at the Ohio State Fair, Wahlburgers Cleveland, and Nashville’s Music Row stages, including The Tin Roof and The Red Rooster. With an expanding Midwest tour schedule and a growing following, they continue to establish themselves as a must-see act whose performances leave a lasting impression.
Music
Album Title: December Insomnia (2026)
Artist: The Wasteland Poets
Songwriters & Composers: Abigail & Cory Hillman
Performing Rights Organization: BMI
Producer: Lava Room Recording
Publishers: Self published, 100% retained by Abigail & Cory Hillman, not yet assigned, 100% One-stopped cleared
Master Owner: Artist/Songwriter owns 100%
Audio File: High-quality WAV and/or 320 kbps MP3
Instrumental Versions: Available upon request
Lyrics: Available upon request
Genre & Mood: Dark, eerie, gothic-indie-folk, tense, thriller
Explicit content: None
Brief Description: Each track channels gritty authenticity exploring themes like social media addiction, inequality, psychological abuse, and corruption within out society.
(Spotify / Apple Music Coming Soon)
Press Quotes
Coming Soon!
Performance & Highlights
- Fulton County Fair - September 2026
- Ohio Arts Council Grant Award | Artists with Disabilities Access Program 2026
- Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce Special Events 2026
- Catawba Island Club 2026
- Ohio State Fair - Origional Artist Stage
- Nashville Music Row - Songwriters Festival
Artist Details (Quick Facts)
- Genre: Acoustic Rock / Alt Country / Blues / Folk / Pop
- Location: Northeast Ohio
- Members: Abby & Cory Hillman
- Set Length: 120-180 min.
- Material: Original songs + select covers
- Years Active: Since 2011
Contact / Booking
- Email: thewastelandpoets@gmail.com
- Phone: 419.496.1707
- Website: thewastelandpoetsband.net
Socials
- Face-to-face.
The Wasteland Poets
Booking Inquiries:
LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW
“"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy". ” - Martin Luther King, Jr., Clergy, Civil Rights Leader